[TN] Can I serve divorce papers by publication if I can’t locate my spouse, and how long must notice be published?

TN Divorce

Liz

43,836 satisfied customers

View context

Solved

You can indeed advertise in Tennessee for the divorce notice. Typically, the notice needs to run for a specific period, often around 4–6 weeks. (TN Code § 21-1-203)

First though, you have to file and show you tried to locate him. That's your "due diligence." Messages to his friends and family can count as part of that. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 21-1-203(a)(5))

Full Conversation

Will I be filing these papers with the court or will you file them?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that navigating court procedures can be confusing. Are you currently working with a lawyer on this matter?

I don't know.

Lexi, Chatbot

What type of papers are you looking to file with the court?

I don't know.

Liz

Hi there! Welcome. My name is Liz and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. Just so you are aware, our service is a legal information-only site. No attorney-client relationship is formed from our conversation. So I can best help, what court papers are you dealing with?

Divorce. The address listed on the paperwork is the last known address of my husband. He is Honduran, and I heard that he may have gone back to Honduras. We did not live together while married, just spent about 14 weekends together. I don't know where to serve him.

Liz

Can I ask, when did you last have contact?

September 2025.

Liz

Have you tried anything like email or calling? With a divorce, if you make reasonable attempts to locate him and cannot, there is the possibility of filing for what is called notice via publication. You would essentially then serve him with a newspaper ad.

I have a feeling I was married by him for immigration purposes looking back on everything. I tried to contact him, through his family also and they told me he went back to Honduras. Can I advertise in TN for him about the divorce? And for how long of a period?

They won't talk to me anymore.

Liz

You can indeed advertise in Tennessee for the divorce notice. Typically, the notice needs to run for a specific period, often around 4–6 weeks. (TN Code § 21-1-203)

First though, you have to file and show you tried to locate him. That's your "due diligence." Messages to his friends and family can count as part of that. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 21-1-203(a)(5))

I cannot get any other information from the family; they won't talk with me anymore. I understand. Thank you for your information.

Liz

It's okay, with due diligence, it's more about the fact that you tried to get it. Does that all make sense?

Yes it does. I will start that documentation now. I may have past texts that I kept showing the last time we spoke.

Liz

Great, is there anything else I can clarify? I hope I was able to help! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Liz

43,836 satisfied customers

Welcome! Have a similar question?

By messaging AskALawyer, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Legal Eagle

Attorney

4.79 (133,377)

[CO] How do I file a QDRO to split a 401(k) in a divorce when both spouses agree and live in different states?

Answered 23 hours ago

TJ, Esq.

4.68 (17,778)

[TX] How can I customize a postnuptial agreement to cover spousal support, disability benefits, asset division, and debts?

Answered 1 day ago

Lawyer, Esquire

Attorney at Law

5.00 (25)

[WA] Can in-kind and health insurance payments replace formal spousal support in a marital settlement agreement?

Answered 2 days ago

Disclaimer

By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.

The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.

Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.